Alex Fuchs
Member
Can we try to collect here our experiences with Image stabilizer systems specifically with the HVX-200 like Steadicam, Glidecam, Varizoom etc...
Steady-cam System Experiences - Best fit for HVX-200? FIRST STOP
- Thread starter Alex Fuchs
- Start date
I am getting my HVX tomorrow and will be doing extensive tests with my own steadicam flyer, plus the Gluidecam v25 and perhaps some bigger steadicam rigs like the archer (with practice cage for extra weight).
If you want cheep, the steadicam merlin looks like a class act if you got the arm strength.
But i'd have to say best fit is certainly with the steadicam flyer based on my previous experience with similar weight cameras.
Anyhows I'll post up a full review with the flyer and some footage by the weekend
-matt
If you want cheep, the steadicam merlin looks like a class act if you got the arm strength.
But i'd have to say best fit is certainly with the steadicam flyer based on my previous experience with similar weight cameras.
Anyhows I'll post up a full review with the flyer and some footage by the weekend
-matt
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Matt, I so envy you. Owning both the HVX and the Flyer. That's one hell of a package.
Wanna lend the HVX to me so I can give it a try? :laugh:
Seriously though, I agree and egerly await your report on how this beauty flies on the Flyer and other rigs.
- Mikko
Wanna lend the HVX to me so I can give it a try? :laugh:
Seriously though, I agree and egerly await your report on how this beauty flies on the Flyer and other rigs.
- Mikko
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Man i can't sleep i'm picking up my little box of joy tomorrow from H-prestons
Buy now pay next year !!!!! Bingo
They were very good in reserving me a camera and p2 card for no doposite just a phone call.
Mikko mate your welcome to find me a job in finland then you can have a play all you like.
You know as well as I do what the potential of this conbination is. It's finaly gona give us what we need for the right price. Plus I don't need a 40 grand steadicam to fly it.
Can't wait
Can't wait
Can't wait
Can't wait
Can't wait
:bath:
-matt
Buy now pay next year !!!!! Bingo
They were very good in reserving me a camera and p2 card for no doposite just a phone call.
Mikko mate your welcome to find me a job in finland then you can have a play all you like.
You know as well as I do what the potential of this conbination is. It's finaly gona give us what we need for the right price. Plus I don't need a 40 grand steadicam to fly it.
Can't wait
Can't wait
Can't wait
Can't wait
Can't wait
:bath:
-matt
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mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
I *could* get the Flyer and HVX prety much right now, but I'm dooing the same thing I hear you are Matt regarding rigs 
Keep us posted on how she (both cam and rig in this case [that sounds kinda funny...]) work together.
- Mikko
Keep us posted on how she (both cam and rig in this case [that sounds kinda funny...]) work together.
- Mikko
All the Merlin footage i've seen has that slight tilt side to side with the DVX on it. I would imagine the HVX plus basic accesories would also exhibit that sway. I've used the Steadytracker Xtreme and been amazed at the smooth footage and easy set up on all three axises.
I'm flying the HVX on my Steadicam flyer currently and all I can say is that it fly's beautifully. I've got a chrosziel matte box attached and have everything balanced perfectly it just floats. With just a single IDX Endura counterbalancing the HVX+Mattebox+Rods+Plate, the gimbal rides pretty close to the top of the sled. This works out well because on a lighter system the gimbal is too low and when you want to boom up, the LCD can hit the arm.
I'm still experimenting with ways to replace the SD LCD with my Marshall 70P. The problem is that theirs only a single BNC cable that runs from the top of the sled through to the bottom via the centerpost and into the monitor. This is fine for SD and also fine if the HVX had HD/SDI out but unfortunately that isn't so.
I'm contacting some cable makers right now to get a custom made D-Connector to three light and thin wires with BNC terminators ( maybe 30 inches ) to connectthe top and the bottom out in front of the sled in an arc.
I'm pretty sure it's doable and you save a ton of cash.
I'm still experimenting with ways to replace the SD LCD with my Marshall 70P. The problem is that theirs only a single BNC cable that runs from the top of the sled through to the bottom via the centerpost and into the monitor. This is fine for SD and also fine if the HVX had HD/SDI out but unfortunately that isn't so.
I'm contacting some cable makers right now to get a custom made D-Connector to three light and thin wires with BNC terminators ( maybe 30 inches ) to connectthe top and the bottom out in front of the sled in an arc.
I'm pretty sure it's doable and you save a ton of cash.
I can't imagine using the merlin...that thing is tiny! I think it'll work for the most part but it's gonna be a barebones camera and your arm is going to be very tired holding it out like that. There are a lot of shots you simply won't be able to pull off, and some shot's that will work out well.
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Ah that good news indeed glad to here it.
I'm going to try and weigh my hvx down a few k's and putt 2 batts on the base. I like a heavy rig when it comes to the flyer. Then again i'm smitten with the archer i got to fly at the BSC show recently (thanks robin).
I was thinking about how to get a HD signal to a HD monitor on the flyer. For now i figure just use the svideo out from cam to a bnc adaptor on flyer.
Also i'm looking into a wirless focas controle kinda like the remote that comes with the HVX.
Anybody got any ideas.
Cheers
-matt
I'm going to try and weigh my hvx down a few k's and putt 2 batts on the base. I like a heavy rig when it comes to the flyer. Then again i'm smitten with the archer i got to fly at the BSC show recently (thanks robin).
I was thinking about how to get a HD signal to a HD monitor on the flyer. For now i figure just use the svideo out from cam to a bnc adaptor on flyer.
Also i'm looking into a wirless focas controle kinda like the remote that comes with the HVX.
Anybody got any ideas.
Cheers
-matt
Can you get an SVideo to BNC connector? Hmmm...I might do that for now instead of using the composite out.
I just don't think there's an affordable remote follow focus system available yet. The cheapest one probably costs more than the camera. I think there's an entrepeneurial opportunity there.
I got a chance to play with the Bebob Foxi today. I ordered one but it hasn't arrived yet but I did find someone who had it. It truly is a very nice focusing system. The wheel is bigger than it looks in the pic and has a nice resistance. You also get hard stops on the ends. The price is good too compared to a geared follow focus. The biggest limitation is that you are speed limited by the internal servos. It's also unfortunate that the LANC cable is coiled and a bit thick.
What I've been thinking about is replacing the thick cable with a super light and thin one to use with the steadicam. Someone with some more engineering expertise might be able to take a foxi appart and create a lightweight wireless system that plugs into the LANC input on the HVX. I mean at some point in the circuit, it's just a variable pot I'm pretty sure. Maybe Bob Gale and think of somethin.
I just don't think there's an affordable remote follow focus system available yet. The cheapest one probably costs more than the camera. I think there's an entrepeneurial opportunity there.
I got a chance to play with the Bebob Foxi today. I ordered one but it hasn't arrived yet but I did find someone who had it. It truly is a very nice focusing system. The wheel is bigger than it looks in the pic and has a nice resistance. You also get hard stops on the ends. The price is good too compared to a geared follow focus. The biggest limitation is that you are speed limited by the internal servos. It's also unfortunate that the LANC cable is coiled and a bit thick.
What I've been thinking about is replacing the thick cable with a super light and thin one to use with the steadicam. Someone with some more engineering expertise might be able to take a foxi appart and create a lightweight wireless system that plugs into the LANC input on the HVX. I mean at some point in the circuit, it's just a variable pot I'm pretty sure. Maybe Bob Gale and think of somethin.
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CareyB
Active member
Alex Fuchs said:
Hey,
I bought the Glidecam 4000 Pro, hope to have my HVX next week, or so I'm told. I've seen their demo videos and decided to give it a try. Will post my thoughts and a video as soon as I'm able.
An aside here: i found batteries for the HVX for $66 each and an ac/dc charger for $!6. The link's with my post under "Batteries" thread on what's new with HVX.
Carey
mikkowilson
Steadi-Guru
Opcode,
Pulling cables down the front of a rig works fine - Down thw front of thw stage or camera and bahind the monitor works well. Using 3 cables to do analog HD will work.
And yes you can get S-video -> composite (normally RCA) adapters to use teh s-video out on your cam to teh sled. The only time this is necesarry is if your composite output is in use (for example a Radio Tx to director's monitor) - In a pinch you can also use the "Y" chanel of component in SD output mode to get a B&W signal. - That may even work in HD depending on the monitor.
- Mikko
Pulling cables down the front of a rig works fine - Down thw front of thw stage or camera and bahind the monitor works well. Using 3 cables to do analog HD will work.
And yes you can get S-video -> composite (normally RCA) adapters to use teh s-video out on your cam to teh sled. The only time this is necesarry is if your composite output is in use (for example a Radio Tx to director's monitor) - In a pinch you can also use the "Y" chanel of component in SD output mode to get a B&W signal. - That may even work in HD depending on the monitor.
- Mikko
Alex Fuchs
Member
Let us know how the Glidecam 4000 works out for you.